Water is our future.

Division of Water

Water resources are the foundation for Wisconsin's economy, environment and quality of life. Managing, conserving and restoring them for the benefit of Wisconsin citizens now and in the future is a big job, and one WDNR's Water Division staff share with local governments, citizens and businesses.

• Leading economic sectors -- papermaking, agriculture, food processing and manufacturing -- rely on clean water drawn from Wisconsin's groundwater, and lakes and streams, for their production and manufacturing processes.
• Our $13 billion tourism industry is anchored by Wisconsin's 15,081 beautiful lakes and 12,600 rivers and streams.
• Our world class fishery lures more than 1.4 million licensed anglers to wet a line every year, supports more than 30,000 jobs, generates a $2.75 billion annual economic impact, and $200 million in tax revenues for state and local governments.
• Our 5.3 million acres of wetlands store flood waters, filter runoff, and provide critical fish and wildlife habitat -- services worth billions of dollars for free -- not to mention limitless recreational opportunities.
• Our groundwater and surface water supplies provide clean drinking water for a state population that increased 16 percent in the last 20 years -- and position us for more growth in the future.

Success Stories

Great things are happening in Wisconsin for clean, healthy water. Water Success Stories are our way of sharing with you some of the highlights.

2010 Water Division Report

The 2010 Water Division Report highlights our progress during 2008-2010 in protecting and enhancing our water resources as the foundation for Wisconsin's future. Read the full report or choose a topical area of interest from the list below. Each section features a significant program success story and identifies partnerships with local governments, organizations and citizens. The last section of the report discusses some of the upcoming challenges the Division of Water faces as we move forward into the next decade.

• Executive Summary and Workforce Planning
• Public Safety and Emergency Response
• Creating Outstanding Fisheries
• Controlling Pollutants in Wastewater and Storm Water
• Managing Lakes, Rivers and Streams
• Waterways and Wetlands Protection
• Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection
• Stewardship of our Great Lakes
• Managing the Mighty Mississippi River
• Emerging Issues Reveal Future Challenges

Monitoring

Water Monitoring. The WDNR gathers environmental information to assess aquatic environmental health, evaluate environmental problems and determine the success of management actions that are intended to protect our aquatic resources. The state's Water Monitoring Strategy directs efforts to more efficiently address the variety of resource management decisions.

Mapping Wetlands

Locating wetlands is the first step to protecting them. Learn more about how you can identify wetlands in your area. Mapping wetlands

Basin Pages

The statewide watershed program focuses on managing resources by watersheds and basins. Find out what is happening in your basin through our Gateway to Basins page.

Wisconsin Water Quality Report to Congress

Wisconsin Water Quality Report to Congress highlights the status of waters in the state.

Contact Information

Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater - DG/5
101 South Webster St
PO BOX 7921
Madison WI 53707-7921
(608) 266-0821
FAX (608) 267-7650

Bureau of Fisheries Management - FH/4
101 South Webster St
PO BOX 7921
Madison WI 53707-7921
(608) 267-7498
FAX (608) 266-2244

Bureau of Watershed Management - WT/3
101 South Webster St
PO BOX 7921
Madison WI 53707-7921
(608) 267-7694
FAX (608) 267-2800